Nakshatras Constellations

27 Nakshatras in Vedic Astrology

According to Vedic astrology, Nakshatra describes the lunar mansion. This is because the Moon enters a Nakshatra for approximately one day. Thus, each lunar palace is approximately 13°20' long. Furthermore, they are separated into four parts known as Pada. Each pada is approximately 3°20' long.

According to Vedic astrology, lunar constellations, or Nakshatras, are associated with the Moon's natal symbolism. As a result, the Moon takes 28 days to go through each zodiac sign and remains there for 2.3 days. Moon is also known as the ruler of the Nakshatras. As a result, it monitors planetary positions and is in charge of predicting each individual's existence on a variable basis.

In astrology, these Nakshatras play an important function. According to ancient writings, the name Nakshatra derives from the term Naksha, which means map, and Tara is a star. And the full meaning of the word Nakshatra is often associated with a star map. History also tells us that Nakshatras were first introduced in the Rig Veda. However, the Yajurveda and Atharva Veda have a complete list of the 27 constellations.

What are the methods you can use to determine your Nakshatra?

To determine which Nakshatra you belong to, you must provide accurate birth information, including the exact date of birth, year, location of birth, and exact time. When you supply these facts to an astrologer, they will easily examine the location of the Moon based on the given birth details and tell you which constellation you belong to.

As a result, your Nakshatra will be determined by where your Moon was at the time of birth. Your horoscope will also play an important influence. It provides additional information about you, such as the position of the Sun and Moon during your birth hours. Looking at that possibility is critical since it provides a complete understanding of your well-being, qualities, etc.

The 27 Nakshatras in Vedic astrology

Nakshatras can be classified into numerous groups based on their characteristics, the planet that rules them, and much more.

The 27 stars in astrology are:

 Ashwini Nakshatra

 Bharani Nakshatra

 Krittika Nakshatra

 Rohini Nakshatra

 Mrigashira Nakshatra

 Ardra Nakshatra

 Punarvasu Nakshatra

 Pushya Nakshatra

 Ashlesha Nakshatra

 Magha Nakshatra

 PurvaPhalguni Nakshatra

 UttaraPhalguni Nakshatra

 Hasta Nakshatra

 Chitra Nakshatra

 Swati Nakshatra

 Vishakha Nakshatra

 Anuradha Nakshatra

 Jyestha Nakshatra

 Moola/Mula Nakshatra

 Poorvashada Nakshatra

 Uttarashada Nakshatra

 Abhijit Nakshatra

 Dhanishta Nakshatra

 Shatabhisha Nakshatra

 Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra

 Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra

 Revati Nakshatra

 Shravana Nakshatra

Astrologers also consider the 28th Nakshatra. It's the Abhijit Nakshatra. The Sun rules this constellation, and Lord Brahma is the deity who governs it.

The mythological tale behind the Nakshatras

According to Hindu mythology, a king named Dakshan had 27 daughters. Moon married all 27 daughters (Nakshatras). Moon, on the other hand, had a strong preference for one of his queens above the others: Rohini. According to astrology, Rohini represents the Moon's exaltation point. Moon's other 26 wives filed a complaint with the King for the same reason. Despite the King's repeated pleadings, Moon remained true to his nature. It enraged the King, and he cursed the Moon, shrinking it in size.

This caused the moon to wane. Seeing the results, the other deities asked the King to reverse his curse and promised that Moon would visit each of his daughters equally to spend time with them. Because the King was unable to entirely remove his curse, he proposed a solution to the Moon. He claimed that in half a month, he would be able to regain his strength.

This is why we have Purnima and Amavasya, because the Moon spends equal amounts of time in each Nakshatra, completing his zodiac orbit throughout the month.

Pada in Nakshatras

We know there are 27 constellations. These stars are divided into four segments called Padas. These padas reflect the characteristics of the zodiac signs, beginning with the first zodiac sign – Aries. As a result, we can deduce that the Pada is the most integrated system used by Nakshatras to represent the zodiac signs.

Every three constellations contain 12 padas. We will see all of the zodiac signs represented by pada signs, as each pada represents one of the three constellations.

As we all know, each zodiac sign represents around 2.25 of the zodiac signs. It increases the pada count by 4+1, resulting in 9 padas. Padas provides information on the soul of a person. It also holds information equivalent to a zodiac sign.

Characteristics of Nakshatra

In Vedic astrology, the constellation has a rich symbolic meaning. Nakshatra is strongly associated with the planets, deity, and goal of life, guna, and divinity. Furthermore, it is related to caste, sex, dosha, element, personality, animal, wind direction, and so on. When reading Nakshatras, all of these pointers are carefully studied.

1. Sex

Astrology divides constellations into two divisions or sexes: male and female Nakshatras. In general, men are more energetic and active than women.

  • Ashwini, Bharani, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Uttara Phalguni, Swati, Jyeshta, Mula, Purvashadha, Uttarashadha, Shravana, and Purva Bhadrapada are all male constellations.

  • Female nakshatras include Krittika, Rohini, Mrigashirsha, Ardra, Punarvasu, Purva Phalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Vishakha, Anuradha, Dhanistha, Shatabhishak, Uttara Bhadrapada, and Revati.

2. Temperament

When we look at this Nakshatra chart, we will find three sub-categories. Dev, Manushya, and Rakshasa.

  • The Deva Nakshatras include Ashwini, Mrigashirsha, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, and Revati.

  • The Manushya Nakshatras include Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Shravana, Purva, and Uttara.

  • Rakshasa Nakshatras include the Krittika, Ashlesha, Magha, Chitra, Vishakha, Jyestha, Mula, Dhanistha, and Shatabhishak Nakshatras.

People with more planets in the Nakshatra tend to be harsher. Those with a higher number of planets in the Deva constellation, on the other hand, are gentle.

3. Animal

Constellations in Vedic astrology are also closely associated with animals. Knowing which ascendant you belong to allows you to determine your totem animal. Also, one can focus on their specific animal and observe its characteristics, since this can help you learn more about yourself in the long run. So, according to Nakshatra science, each one corresponds to a particular animal, which helps to detail the type of being you will be.

4. Guna

In Nakshatra, there are three types of guna (energy). Each Nakshatra in Vedic astrology reflects a specific guna of the individual. However, it occurs on three layers rather than just one.

  • The first group is the Rajas. It represents the sparking energy that can incarnate the world. In astrology, nine stars and the first four zodiac signs (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, and Cancer) are located under the same constellation.

  • The Tamas are up next. It represents the soul as it enters the world and becomes involved with materiality. Tamas is mostly concerned with materialism. It also includes nine lunar mansions. Tamas is made up of the zodiac signs Leo, Virgo, Libra, and Scorpio.

  • The final guna is Sattva. It is the guna of liberation, defining the concept of progressing far beyond materialism and its foundations. The final group likewise has nine Nakshatras, and the zodiac signs Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces make up this guna.

How are Nakshatras different from Zodiac Signs?

If you divide the sky into twelve different portions, you will refer to these as Zodiac signs. However, dividing the same into 27 equal divisions yields the name Nakshatra. During the division, each zodiac sign takes up 30 degrees of the 360-degree circle. However, each Nakshatra covers about 13.33°.

In other words, Nakshatras make up a smaller portion of the twelve zodiac signs seen in astrology. So, from Aries to Pisces, each zodiac sign represents approximately 2.25 parts of each Nakshatra.

The four aims of life and the Nakshatras

Our life has four goals: Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Mosha. By examining the location of the Nakshatra on the planets, one can determine an individual's major goal in life.

  • Dharma simply depicts what you do or are expected to do. It represents the fulfillment of your soul through daily labor and activities.

  • The next person is Artha. It depicts riches and money, so you feel satisfied with your food and shelter.

  • The final option is the Kama. It indicates your willingness to pursue any ambition.

  • Finally, the Moksha represents your soul's release.

It is interesting to note that each life goal corresponds to an astrological element. Fire is strongly associated with the Dharma, earth is associated with Artha, and water is associated with Kama and Moksha.

Importance of Nakshatra in Astrology

Nakshatra analysis is extremely significant in Vedic astrology. It is normally responsible for determining how a person thinks, comprehends, or interprets life. Furthermore, using these Nakshatras, you can calculate the Dasha period in your horoscope.

Apart from these, Nakshatra is significant in other ways. Let's see that:

  • Astrologers use Nakshatra readings to make accurate forecasts and analyses. It is because Nakshatras make use of zodiac signs and have a ruling deity. Furthermore, it aids in understanding a variety of an individual's qualities and characteristics.

  • These stars in astrology possess power and energy. Seeking the blessing of the nine lords is important in astrological analysis.

  • In addition, Nakshatras depicts the locations where the outcomes of our Karmas are kept and transported.

  • Nakshatras are also important for recognizing an individual's characteristics and determining the key points of his desires and energies.

  • Astrologers place a high value on Nakshatras when matching Kundlis. It enables them to understand the compatibility that the pair will have in marriage. It also allows them to predict how successful the couple's future will be.

In general, Nakshatras are quite important in Vedic astrology. It assists individuals in understanding a person's traits and personality, as well as calculating the major phase (Dasha) they will experience, thereby clearing some significant points in their birth chart.